Receives regulatory approval for its molecule ‘Selumetinib’ in India
AstraZeneca India announced its entry into rare disease therapy in India. The regulatory approval of its ‘Selumetinib’ demonstrates the company’s commitment to bringing first-in-class, science-based therapies to patients in India. In addition, the company aims to address the severe unmet need of patients living with rare diseases and transform their quality of life.
AstraZeneca is also joining hands with the Organization of Rare Diseases in India (ORDI), a non-profit organization working to improve the life of patients living with rare diseases. The collaboration is primarily to showcase support behind the cause and enhance the conversation. As a gesture of its support, AstraZeneca will be participating in ORDI’s flagship ‘RaceFor7’, a multi-city 7 km run commemorating Rare Diseases day in the country.
“Patients with rare diseases need an early and accurate diagnosis, timely treatment, long term supportive care. For this, government support is as essential as philanthropic or private support. Awareness among all stakeholders like the general public, medical fraternity, basic and clinical researchers, and policymakers is important. With less than 6 per cent of rare diseases having any kind of treatment, coupled with the extremely limited availability of any rare disease treatment in India, expectations from global pharma companies are high. New products launched by companies like AstraZeneca are important for rare disease patients, especially the neurological group of patients and they too can hope to live longer like any other population” said Prasanna Shirol, Co-Founder and Executive Director, ORDI (Organization for Rare Diseases India).
“As a country, we need to accomplish a lot in this therapy area right from diagnosis, treatment, access and education. With this milestone approval, we are bringing transformative medicines to patients living with rare diseases in India who currently have limited treatment options or no available treatment at all. By understanding patients’ unique needs, we can research and develop innovative medicines, support access and advocate for the rare disease community. We look forward to advancing this commitment and working with stakeholders to not only bring more innovative therapies for even more rare disease patients but also develop a roadmap to augment early diagnosis and holistic care”, said Dr Sanjeev Panchal, Country President and MD, AstraZeneca India.
